GULF SHORES, ALABAMA, USA -- It's easy to understand the main attraction of Alabama's Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. It stretches for 32 miles - sugar white sand beaches, bordered by gently lapping warm (in the spring, summer and fall anyway) crystal blue water. No wonder folks from all over the South flock here for fun in the sun.

Tall buildings - hotels and condominiums - border much of the roads that border the beaches, but with plenty of space left over for locals and tourists alike to enjoy splashing in the water, building sand castles, and deepening suntans. So enticing are Gulf Shores' beaches, many visitors never venture from them. Some never even go out to eat, preferring to feed the family in their vacation rental homes or condos before heading back to - you guessed it - the sugar sand covered waterfront.

These beach combers probably have a great time, but they're missing out. As fabulous as the Gulf Shores beaches are, there's more to see and do here - both on and off the water. There are also a lot of great things to eat - especially seafood. So while it may be tempting to cook your own, there are good reasons to get out for at least a couple of meals, including one of our favorite seafood shacks anywhere - King Neptune's.

Lots of Activities and Attractions
Gulf Shores represents a study in contrasts. In one respect it's a typical beach town complete with an endless array of t-shirt and souvenir shops trying to outdo each other's eye catching, kid enticing, kitschy exteriors. All the typical beach sun, sand and water activities are available along with some fun extras like wave runners and parasailing. But there's more than what meets the eye on a typical drive down the beach. Dig a little deeper and you'll find many more activities and attractions - something to appeal to every member of the family.

When you've had enough of the condo crowded beachfront, head to Weeks Bay Nature Reserve, arguably one of the country's best free nature walks. Meander along the scenic boardwalk and get acquainted with local flora and fauna via the extensive trail markers. Bird watchers in particular, and nature lovers in general won't want to miss the Bon Secours National Wildlife Refuge - open year round during daylight hours -- for hiking, fresh and salt water fishing, wildlife observation and nature study. Bring water and bug repellent and keep aware of possible encounters with snakes and/or gators and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. You can also find another good hiking trail with bird watching opportunity in Orange Beach, off Highway 161 on the west side.

As Gulf Shores is almost surrounded by water, you can find wonderful fishing and low key water recreation in some of the surrounding bayous. You won't be at a loss for ways to get out on the water here (see articles below).

Golfers will enjoy ten signature golf courses designed by such luminaries as Arnold Palmer, Larry Nelson and Jerry Pate, while non-golfers enjoy some quality shopping. The Tanger Outlet Mall provides an enormous selection of popular outlet stores. We found lots of bargains here, even when we weren't really looking for anything in particular.

We also discovered some interesting shops at The Wharf, a new 220 acre shopping/entertainment/convention/condominium complex. The Blue Girl Beading Company proved particularly enticing as they not only offer lots of unique beads and jewelry, they give in store classes on beading and even glass bead making. You can even book a private beading party for your small group or get a custom piece of jewelry made from the individual beads you select. A short walk down the street, Ohh La La was another shopping find with a stylish array of jewelry, purses, and other hip and trendy accessories at unbelievably low prices (our Los Angeles friends couldn't believe the finds we brought back).

The planned community of The Wharf has it all, including shops, restaurants (see where to eat article below), and a 10,000 plus set amphitheater that draws some first rate, world class concerts in a variety of genres from country, to rock and roll, to classical. You can even take a ride on the South's largest Ferris wheel at The Wharf to get a bird's eye view of all the fun.

Step Back in Time
The sparkling new (as of this writing in 2007) Wharf complex, combined with the endless high rise condominium towers that line the beach might lead you to believe that Gulf Shores is a thoroughly modern place, but in fact there's an enormous amount of history here. There's no better place to get a feel for the importance this area had to our nation's story than to visit Fort Morgan, on the mouth of Mobile Bay (see related features links below).

Another great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beach, yet still remain on the water, is in the tiny nearby town of Magnolia Springs, Alabama -- founded around 1891. This quaint village will make you feel as though you stepped back in time.

David Worthington, owner of the historic Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast (see Gulf Shores lodging feature for more details), says "I love this town, it's like Mayberry but better, because it's real."

It does appear idyllic. The mail carriers regularly deliver mail to Magnolia Springs residents by boat via bayou. Folks still sit on the porch under sprawling Spanish moss draped Live Oak trees at the Magnolia Springs B&B to enjoy a cool afternoon drink. Across the street the general store built in 1892 still serves as the town's grocery. Jesse King -- who ran the store for 62 years without ever taking a day off -- no longer works there, but his store lives on and so does his name. Adjacent to the market, in what used to be the Magnolia Springs Post Office, you'll now find a very good restaurant - Jesse's, named for the local legend (details in the Gulf Shores restaurant feature).

So when in Gulf Shores, by all means, allow plenty of time to spend on their spectacular beaches. But leave a little extra to explore a little. You'll be glad you did.

Practicalities
See the related features for specific information about attractions, dining and lodging options. For more information about visiting the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.GulfShores.com or call toll free 800-745-SAND or phone 251-968-7511.

The Weeks Bay National Estuarine Reserve is located at 11300 Highway 98 in Fairhope, Alabama 36532; call 251-928-9792 or visit www.weeksbay.org.

For more information about Golf in and around Gulf Shores contact the Gulf Shores Golf Association at 251-968-5319 or click to www.GolfGulfShores.com.

The Tanger Outlet Mall is located at 2601 South McKenzie in Foley, Alabama 36535. ; 251-943-9303; www.TangerOutlet.com.

The Wharf can be found at 4985 Wharf Parkway in Orange Beach, Alabama 36561; 251-224-1008; www.TheWharfAL.com.

The Blue Girl Beading Company and Ohh La La are located in The Wharf complex, visit www.BlueGirlBeadingCo.com; and www.OohLaLaOnline.com.

Find the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast at 14469 Oak St. in Magnolia Springs, Alabama 36555; phone 251-965-7321 or click to www.MagnoliaSprings.com.

Jesse's and the Moore Brothers Village Market are located at 14770 Oak St. in Magnolia Springs, Alabama 36555 (in walking distance of the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast). Call 251-965-3827 for more information or reservations.